Daniel Deronda (2002) (TV)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Tom Hooper

Writers:

Andrew Davies (writer)
George Eliot (novel)

Release Date:

24 November 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | History | Romance

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Jew | Bookstore | Necklace | Sephardic | Cigar

Awards:

4 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Hugh Dancy	...	Daniel Deronda
Romola Garai	...	Gwendolen Harleth
Hugh Bonneville	...	Henleigh Grandcourt
Jodhi May	...	Mirah Lapidoth
Edward Fox	...	Sir Hugo Mallinger
Amanda Root	...	Mrs. Davilow
David Bamber	...	Lush
Greta Scacchi	...	Lydia Glasher
Barbara Hershey	...	Contessa Maria Alcharisi
Celia Imrie	...	Mrs. Meyrick
Jamie Bamber	...	Hans Meyrick
Allan Corduner	...	Herr Klesmer
Michael Attwell	...	Rev. Gascoigne
Jordan Frieda	...	Rex Gascoigne
Anna Steel	...	Catherine Arrowpoint

Runtime:

210 min (3 parts) | Finland:210 min (4 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Argentina:Atp | Netherlands:AL

Filming Locations:

Avington Park, Winchester, Hampshire, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The novel is set at the same time as the U.S. Civil War, whereas the adaptation moves the action ahead ten years to 1874 - the year George Eliot actually began writing the novel.

Goofs:

Continuity: At Ezra Cohen's store, the baby's left shoe and sock disappear then reappear.

Movie Connections:

Version of Daniel Deronda (1921)

Soundtrack:

On Wings of Song

Period Romance with Substance

As a film of social and interpersonal dimension, Daniel Deronda is impressive. It is refreshingly easy to forgive that it is not an Ivory production complete with exquisite costumes, sets, and revelatory photography. There is an engaging account to make up for it.

The series encapsulates the respective stories of the heroic Daniel Deronda and the spoiled aristocrat, Gwendolyn Harleth whose lives first intertwine at a casino. The first images of the roulette and the covert glances Gwendolyn and Daniel share transport us immediately into the Victorian period with its secrets, niceties, and excesses. It is the only period that such a film could take place. Their encounter is a chance one. She is called away, once she receives the news, to attend to her impoverished family; he is not a gambler. Yet, his return of the jewels she sold to provide money for her family lays the foundation of their relationship that lasts until the end of the series. Gwendolyn, despite her self-centeredness and arrogance, sees value in him that transcends her attraction. His generosity is an impression which deepens each time she sees him, and, to a degree, transforms her.

Romola Garai masterfully registers the complexities of Gwendolyn Harleth, who is the more pivotal character. Her facial and vocal expressions continually convey the conflicts in her nature that on one hand consists of a superficial expectation of wealth, and on the other hand contains her desire to be a better person than she could possibly become. Gwendolyn's decisions, involving situations which are morally complex, result continuously in dichotomies that benefit some to the absolute detriment of others. She is haunted by these ambiguities, her uncomfortable reflections on her motivations, and her tragic belief in Daniel Deronda. That she often suffers as a result of circumstances and conscience, does not give her comfort. Yet the initial understanding of her lack of substance disappears. Her character is considered the most impressive ever written by Eliot, and Garai is award-worthy in capturing her.

Hugh Dancy has the requisite gallantry and innocence of Deronda, who finds a social purpose in aiding the Jewish people in their pursuit of their homeland. His romantic interest in Gwendolyn is a fascinating aspect that gives the series its thrilling effect. One is compelled to wonder and hope throughout if they will have a future together.